Whether or not you agree with Perkins about issues like gay marriage or abortion, one can’t talk to him without finding him to be an interesting and intelligent man.

And a lot of people probably don’t realize that he’s not just politician and a pro-family activist — he’s also a former police officer and television reporter.

When I asked Perkins how his diverse background impacts his politics, he said:

… I’ve been on the streets, dealing with everybody from the outcasts — the most unfortunate in our society, as well as the criminals… I’ve been there. And I’ve had to hold crack babies in my arms as their mothers have OD’d.

I’ve had to go knock on the doors of parents to inform them that their children are no longer with us. I’ve had to do a lot of those things. And I know a lot of that is the result — not directly, but indirectly — [of] the policies that we pass. [They] foster a certain environment and culture. And these things are important. And oftentimes, the unintended consequences are years down the road.